My Review of 'Sitting with Dogs' by Rocky Kanaka (A Fellow Rescue Expert)

Vincent van Dog here, chocolate Labrador retriever, art critic, and professional duck rescuer. You may know me from my insightful art reviews where I hold the title of Chief Art Critic and Very Good Boy! I am also the very heroic rescuer of my blue rope duck from the pool and household perils. Today, I'm writing about something close to my heart: Rocky Kanaka's book Sitting with Dogs.

Now, I'll be honest—I can't actually read. But my human read this entire book to me while I supervised from my favourite spot at her side, and let me tell you, it spoke to my soul. Mostly because it's about rescue, and as a retriever I know a thing or two about rescue.

Who is This Rocky Kanaka Human?

From what I understand (and I'm quite perceptive for a dog), Rocky Kanaka is basically the human version of me, except instead of rescuing floating ducks, he rescues actual dogs. Which, I'll admit, is slightly more impressive.

Rocky is an Emmy-nominated host and animal advocate who created something called "Dog's Day Out"—a series where he takes shelter dogs on adventures to show the world how amazing they are. He doesn't just walk past kennels and feel sad (though I imagine he does that too). He actually DOES something. He sits with these dogs, spends time with them, and helps them find their forever homes.

His mission is to reduce euthanasia rates in shelters by connecting dogs with humans who will love them. Every dog has a story, he says. Every dog deserves a chance. As a Labrador retriever who understands the compulsion to rescue things (ducks, tennis balls, sticks, the occasional sock), I can confirm: this is correct.

Through his YouTube channel, social media, and now this book, Rocky has helped thousands of shelter dogs find families. He's basically a superhero, but instead of a cape, he wears dog hair. Respect.

What's This Book About?

Sitting with Dogs is Rocky's collection of stories about the dogs he's met, the lives he's changed, and the lessons he's learned from rescue work. It's about the power of just being present with a dog—of sitting with them and truly seeing them, not as a problem to solve or a sad case, but as an individual worthy of love and attention.

The book has touching stories, beautiful photos (I appreciated these, as a visual artist myself), and insights about the bond between humans and dogs.

It's not all sad, though. There are happy endings. There are transformations. There are second chances. And there's a lot of love. So much love that even I, a sophisticated art critic, felt my tail wagging involuntarily.

Why I, Vincent van Dog, Relate to This Book

Look, I rescue my floating duck approximately 47 times per day. Mostly from the pool, but sometimes from the water bowl. Sometimes from the studio floor where it has clearly been abandoned and forgotten. It needs me!

Every single time, I feel the urgency. The compulsion. The knowledge that I am the ONLY one who can save this duck. No one else understands the gravity of the situation. But I do. And I act.

This is what it means to be a Labrador retriever. We were bred for this. The retrieve. The rescue. The unwavering commitment to bringing things back to safety. It's in my DNA. It's my purpose. Some might call it obsessive. I call it dedication.

Reading Rocky's book (well, listening to it), I realised: he has the same compulsion. Except his "duck" is actual dogs who need homes. He sees a dog in a shelter, and he knows he has to help. He can't walk away. He has to sit with them, advocate for them, give them a chance.

I get it, Rocky. I really do. That drive to rescue, to save, to bring something precious back to safety—it's powerful. It's instinctive. And when you have it, you can't ignore it.

My Official Review

The Good:

• Stories that made my tail wag uncontrollably
• Important message about rescue and second chances
• Beautiful photos (I'm a visual learner)
• Rocky clearly understands dogs on a deep level
• Made Mum want to adopt seventeen more dogs (I talked her down to zero, as I already have a sister)

The Less Good:

• No scratch-and-sniff pages (missed opportunity)
• Doesn't include tips for duck rescue specifically
• As you can see in the photo, I did a lick test - not sure about the taste 

Who Should Read This:

• Anyone who loves dogs (obviously)
• Anyone considering adopting a rescue dog (DO IT)
• Anyone who needs to understand why rescue work matters
• Anyone who wants to cry happy tears
• Anyone with a heart (if you don't have a heart, this book might help you grow one)

Vincent's Official Rating: Five lamb chops out of five. Would recommend to all humans. Would read again (by which I mean, would listen while snuggling close).

If you want to read this book (and you should), here's where to get it:

  Sitting with Dogs - all affiliate commission from Amazon sales via this link will be donated to the Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge (SCARS)

Full Disclosure (Mum insists I include this): If you buy the book through this link the price is the same to you, but Amazon may give a small commission that I will donate to the local Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge to support other dogs that need our help. At the same time, you will also be helping Rocky continue his great work sitting with dogs. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced by treats (though I am open to treat-based sponsorships).

Final Thoughts from a Labrador Retriever

Here's what I know: every dog deserves someone who will choose them. Every dog deserves someone who will sit with them, see them, and love them for exactly who they are—duck obsession and all.

Rocky Kanaka's Sitting with Dogs isn't just a book about rescue dogs. It's a book about connection, compassion, and the transformative power of showing up for another living being. It's about the quiet moments that change everything. It's about second chances—for dogs and for humans.

As a Labrador retriever who understands the compulsion to rescue—whether it's a floating duck, or a tennis ball, — I recognise that same drive in Rocky's work. That instinct to save, to retrieve, to bring something precious back to safety. It's what we do. It's who we are.

So read this book. Support rescue organisations. Consider adopting. And if you see a dog in a shelter, maybe sit with them for a moment. You never know—they might just rescue you right back.

Now, if you'll excuse me, my duck is in peril and requires immediate rescue. This is what I do. This is my calling.

Stay loyal, friends.

— Vincent van Dog
Chocolate Labrador Retriever, Art Critic, Duck Rescue Specialist, and Proud Advocate for All Dogs

P.S. Have you read Sitting with Dogs? Are you a rescue dog parent? Do you also have a rescue compulsion (duck-related or otherwise)? Leave a comment below. I read all of them. Well, Mum reads them to me. But I listen very attentively, especially if treats are involved.